The Takeaway: Would Hamas complicate US plans for reset with Palestinians? Also: the back story on the spat between Israel and Jordan; Gulf post-COVID economic trends; Turkey’s Kurds; Egypt and Somalia; and more! Originals
Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Palestinians receive first batch of vaccines through COVAX More than 60,000 doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines arrived in Ramallah on Wednesday. Palestine
Iran weighs 'active neutrality' in Ukraine Iran’s strategic priorities remain a comprehensive nuclear agreement and a political solution in Syria. Syria
The fading Turkish model for the Arab world Allegations of corruption against the government of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is undermining what little support may still remain across the Middle East. Turkey
UK prime minister stands before broken Knesset David Cameron's speech in the Knesset was lost within the battle at the plenum for three major bills, with the opposition boycotting the hastened debates and the public not understanding the significant issues at play. Israel
Gaza residents fear new war Civilians queue at bakeries and stock up on food in fear of a new war with Israel. Palestine
Iraqi candidates exchange government jobs for votes Despite the Iraqi people’s aspirations for a democratic state, many politicians hand out government jobs during election season to ensure votes. Iraq
Pro-regime Sunni fighters in Aleppo defy sectarian narrative Pro-regime militias such as the Al-Quds and Baath Brigades are at the forefront of the battle against rebels in Aleppo, and they're mostly Sunni. Syria
Yemen faces increasing weapons, drugs smuggling problem The trafficking of weapons, drugs and human beings has become a major problem for Yemen. Yemen
Iraqi army must combat sectarianism During the ongoing clashes in Anbar, a number of soldiers have engaged in actions that promote ethnic and sectarian tensions, highlighting the need for the government to enact laws to combat such practices. Iraq
Hamas trapped between Israel, Islamic Jihad While committed to keeping a quiet border with Israel, Hamas leaders fear the alliance between Iran and Islamic Jihad, and prefer Israel’s wrath to Iran’s anger. Palestine
Israeli opposition fails to oppose controversial bills The opposition parties' boycotting Knesset debates this week on three controversial bills is a failure for Israel's democratic process. Palestine
Is ISIS planning for new Fallujahs? In recent weeks, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has changed its tactics in Iraq, focusing on expanding its scope of influence. Iraq
Dahlan, Abbas feud pushes Fatah to brink of crisis Fatah supporters of Mohammed Dahlan in the West Bank are bracing for a crackdown by President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestine
